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| Reviewer | Platform | Publisher | Developer | Players | Screenshots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Bailey | PC | Codemasters | Codemasters | 1-2 (Split Screen), 2-12 (LAN, Online) | Here |
| Requirements | Also on... | Buy from Amazon.co.uk | |||
| 800MHz Processor, 256MB RAM, Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP, 32MB Video Card, DirectX 9.0, 1.2GB HDD Space, DVD-ROM Drive | PS2, Xbox | Click here to buy TOCA Race Driver 2: Ultimate Racing Simulator. | |||
The racing genre is getting full. Over the last few years - particularly in the age of 3D gaming - everyone has been having a shot at producing a racing title; some were alright, most were bad, but there have also been some of the greatest games produced; Sony and Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo series and Microsoft and Bizarre Creation's Project Gotham Racing series come to mind with the latter category. There has also been one other series in the 'realism' section of the genre (so not including Burnout) which has been popular; Codemaster's TOCA series, based on the British touring car sport of the same name. Although the series started out as simply a game licensed on the British motorsport, by the end of its run on the original PlayStation it encompassed touring car licences from across the world. This continued to expand in the PlayStation 2, PC, and Xbox edition of the series, TOCA Race Driver, but this time things changed; Codemasters introduced a story mode to the game, which although wasn't bad, it didn't engage the player enough, and took the game too much away from the core driving element.
Although the basis of a story mode has been retained the sequel, things have changed. Gone is zero-to-hero driver Ryan McKane, and instead the game involves you, the player. Although a story still features - which you are actually more in control of this time around - the main emphasis on the game is on the extremely diverse and comprehensive list of racing types. Subtitled "The Ultimate Racing Simulator", the Codies have gone all-out to fulfil this, including touring car championships from across the world (including, of course, TOCA), as well Rally Cross, Formula Ford, Ice Racing, and even Super Truck. Because of the inclusion of 15 game types, and 50 tracks, there is likely to be something for any fan of four-wheel racing.
It may have the racing types, but in order to truly deserve the title "the Ultimate Racing Simulator", it needs to play well too. Thankfully, the handling has improved from the original, delivering the level of quality we have come to expect from the Codemasters team. As you can probably guess from the subtitle, the handling is based on the simulation side, rather than arcade, and thus there are immediate comparisons to the racing simulation giant, Gran Turismo. While the game does not quite meet up to the standards set by Gran Turismo 4 "Prologue" (which gives an impression of the final game), it must be praised for delivering such a high quality over the entire range of race types. Each type feels as it should - with Grand Prix cars notably frisky, and Super Trucks bulky and cumbersome. This combined impact could therefore be judged to exceed expectations, and possibly even impress the GT-faithful. Damage also plays an important part; wrecking your vehicle as you play as a serious, but realistic, impact on play, and damage modelling is handled extremely well, with the car reacting correctly to a crunch from the front, or a batter from the side. It's great implementation is something the GT should really take notice of.
A.I. also plays a crucial role in the gameplay, and is again a part of the game which outshines its main rival. The computer-controlled cars don't follow a straight line, but react like humans, taking risks, making mistakes, and being daring. If you shunt them, they'll remember you, and won't be afraid to do the same to you at the right moment. The unpredictable and courageous nature of the A.I. makes for a very enjoyable racing experience, to the point that Codemasters claim you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between human and computer controlled players in a match. Well, I'd guess that isn't true - computer-controlled drivers wouldn't drive the wrong way around the track deliberately. With up to 21 other racers on track, you will really feel like you're stuck in the middle of a real race, facing true competition.
Another strong area in the game is the graphics. While not meeting the near-photo-realism of Gran Turismo 4, the game does look suitable impressive, especially on the higher resolutions offered by the PC version. Car models look great - with significant improvements over the original TOCA Race Driver - and the excellent damage modelling, mentioned above, has an equally good impact on the look of your cars, as well as the handling. The tracks themselves are good representations of real-life courses, but although the surrounds look quite good while driving, they are not as pleasing on the eye up close; noticeable when you crash into a wall.
One of the interesting decisions taken by the Codemasters team was not to include in-game music. While this is not too much of an issue - not everyone likes to listen while they race, and certainly not in real-life - the inclusion of custom soundtracks on the Xbox version only was a missed opportunity. The voices of the characters in the story are delivered well by their actors, and the in-game engine noises are well done. However, at times, the engine and surrounding noises turn to a loud and obnoxious continuous crackle, which can severely disrupt gameplay. A notable audio bug which will hopefully be fixed in a future patch.
Lastly, one last important point to bring up about the game is the multiplayer. Although, of course, it doesn't feature the great friends list and cross-game integration of Xbox Live, but the online fare does feature the full 12 players seen on the console version. Also making the translation to the PC is the game-specific ranking system, which sees you start with 1500 points, and then moving up and down depending on race events (such as wins, loses, and mid-race disconnects). Lag seemed rather minimal in-game - especially on a broadband connection - and when it does occur it only affects how you see your opponents, and not your car on the course, so its effect is not too significant. There's also LAN play for up to 12 players, while 2 players can take part in offline split-screen racing.
Note: This game was tested using the 1.2 Patch available from the official website.
| Graphics | The car models are an improvement over TOCA Race Driver, and the surrounds a quite good too - at least, until you get up close. | 8/10 |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | Enjoyable and great handling on a whole range of vehicles. None of them are up to the standard of the mighty Gran Turismo series, but as a whole they almost topple the giant. | 8/10 |
| Value | With all that is mentioned above you certainly get your money's worth with TOCA Race Driver 2. | 10/10 |
| Lifespan | With 15 race types, 50 tracks, 12 player online multiplayer, and a great - and still rare - story mode, there is plenty to keep you occupied for months to come. | 9/10 |
| Audio | The voice acting is great and the engine sounds are done well, but it is hampered by very annoying audio bugs, and a lack of option to play your own music is disappointing. | 7/10 |
| Overall | TOCA Race Driver 2 is an excellent racing game that while isn't the best in the genre, diversifies enough to make it a unique and completely enjoyable experience. In fact, if it wasn't for the odd problem, it could almost truely claim the title of the "Ultimate Racing Simulator". | 8/10 |
Click here to buy TOCA Race Driver 2: Ultimate Racing Simulator from Amazon.co.uk.
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